DipSW, BSc (Hons), PGDip(HSSW), M.A.
It is clear to me that charity and humanity are intrinsically linked. This means that the responsibility to look out for and care for others is not the domain of wealthy individuals or major companies such as McDonalds, Virgin, Microsoft or Digicel; this responsibility is for all of us.. Family, friends, neighbours and communities etc. etc.
Charity is not simply about money; yet it is about giving.. giving time, effort, kindness, a smile, service, spreading the word about the charity KASSSI. And while the financial contributions surely help, it should be the humbleness and anonymity of knowing that a child will benefit from your efforts, which motivates us. It should not be a desire for self-gratification through headlines, recognition and fame. Therefore, in carrying out my tasks, I guard against complacency and self-righteous pomposity. This philosophy is one which permeates KASSSI’s core beliefs. Indeed, it is written in our constitution and shared by all our members. We all should realise that we are not superior to those we assist and support- but for the grace of the almighty- we find ourselves in positions where we are employed, educated, loved and respected. Or the prospects, at least, are realistic!
I am cognisant of the dynamics and sophisticated relationship between the philanthropist/giver and those who receive and the message that can be conveyed by the word “charity” such as worth(lessness),, (low)status, (low)self-esteem and (no)confidence. I am also acutely aware of the human psyche and concepts of “learned helplessness” and “classical conditioning”. It is widely accepted that when an individual works for something, it is eminently more valuable than a freebie! Consequently, my aim and fervent wish is to support the dreams and efforts of children and families living in Petersville, Westmoreland, Jamaica, in the first instance, to ensure that when their opportunities comes along, they will be equipped to avail themselves accordingly.
Consequently, my responsibility as Chair is to safeguard against families/individuals becoming “hooked on hand-outs” because “medication should not replace the immune system…permanently.” I believe in looking at and exploring with JAMATE, other stakeholders, and the local community, projects and initiatives, which supports this analysis.
Yet, I know what it is like to have a dream interrupted by a nightmare!
Early Years and UK: I am one of 10 children, born in Petersville Westmoreland Jamaica, (the same place where KASSSI is starting up) and where I spent my formative years. My mother Viola left me when I was aged 3 years and one month to join her husband, my father John in London, England. I lived with various relatives and family friends. Some experiences were positive and others negative. Education was not a priority and I attended school infrequently. I joined my parents in England in 1970 aged 11years and 10 months. I was not able to read, but knew three words on a page; mother, school and dog (not sure of the order!) The Local Authority wanted to send both my younger brother and I, to a school in the countryside for children who were Educationally Sub- Normal (E.S.N.). Notice that political-correctness has changed the letters around to S.E.N. Special Educational Needs!
Mr King/ First Teacher UK: A teacher in Whitehorse Manor Junior School in Thornton Heath heard about our plight and agreed to have us in the school. Mr King taught us English, Maths and P.E… nothing else. My parents were greatly relieved as this meant the family remained intact as opposed to further separation if we had to be schooled in the countryside.
Secondary Education/College: I went to Lanfranc High School (Secondary) for the next five years. This was largely uneventful.. yet I struggled with acculturation, climate the “new family” and dyslexia, which remained undiagnosed throughout primary and secondary education. This was still the case during my two years in Merton Technical College Morden Surrey, where I studied Engineering 1995-97. After several jobs in Engineering, I switched to driving Articulated Lorries having acquired an HGV1 Licence- Heavy Goods Vehicle.
Social Work/Qualifications/Education: Then the “calling” saw me moving to Social work.. first private and voluntary, then within a local authority childrens’ homes before completing my Social Work training 1999-2001 Diploma in Social Work (DipSW). This was followed by a BSc (Hons) Social Sciences 2001-2002.. Employment with a Local Authority.. Then further training such as: Post Grad Diploma Higher Specialist Social Work (PGDipHSSW) 2007-2009 and an M.A. in Advanced Social Work completed in Oct 2011. My training and qualifications have given me an understanding of the educational and developmental needs, parental support and interaction as well as the importance of children having positive role models in their lives.
Interest: I enjoy playing the Guitar, Playing lawn tennis, writing poetry, refereeing football matches, playing the Harmonica and being a good and supportive father to my three children. I suppose my religion and political views are underpinned by humanitarianism.
Passion/ Drive/ Vision/ Motivation: From fragmented formative years bereft of parental guidance and hands-on support.. from the disability and a battle with racism and acculturation.. my journey has never been about self- aggrandisement, but to enrich the lives of others. KASSSI is the embodiment of creativity, cognition, imagination, intelligent physiological interactions between JAMATE, KASSSI UK, other Stakeholders and the local environment. The aim is to connect communities.
This is a project/way of life that is close to my heart. It is grass-roots led with contributions from the local community and Iam thrilled to be involved and to be able to discuss it with you. When you contribute to KASSSI, you are guaranteed value for money and genuine appreciation from those administering, and the children and families benefiting. So come with me, let us be proud of the small part we play in supporting an individual or family to achieve a better dream, a better education, a better tomorrow. With your help, KASSSI offers an intellectual yet practical approach to giving. And remember: “It is in the giving, that we receive” (St Francis of Assisi 1181- 1226).
Garth
